HOUSTON — For at least one night, dozens of children receiving or have underwent cancer treatment can focus on a night of fun.
Pediatric prom has been held for at least five years at MD Anderson, excluding a three-year pause due to the pandemic. It gives teens and their families a break from a difficult journey battling cancer.
“I’m excited, it’s my first time and I didn’t know there was a prom for us teens,” said Brodie Pursch.
Pursch is one of many grateful kids. Pursch said he’s received treatment at MD Anderson for a tumor that’s no longer cancerous, making pediatric prom a reason to celebrate.
Other kids, who have met through similar events like Pediatric Prom, are looking forward to socializing with their peers.
“I love it, because cancer kids don’t really get to get out a lot. They have to be a grown-up straight off the bat…it’s a day where we can just be free and let loose kind of,” Cynthia Gulley said.
She’s attending prom with her best friend Anna Eber Spacher, whom they met through a retreat for child cancer patients.
“I think its fun to still come to the hospital for things that are fun and not getting stuck with IVs and getting tests done and all that stuff. I think its fun to hang out with my friends who are at the hospital all the time,” Spacher said.
Beyond the dancefloor, the kids receiving treatment get to experience a fashion show, live music, food and so much more.
Beautician services were provided by Aveda, while some kids were able to wear Kendra Scott jewelry and tuxedos provided by Men’s Wearhouse.
MD Anderson staff said many of the vendors donate their time and effort to making the night a success.
“[Pediatric] Prom is really a community event,” Tomika Gamble said.
Gamble is the program director for pediatrics at MD Anderson.
“We’re the ones who are there to provide the fun, to bring joy and instill joy. We want them to forget the pain for a moment, for them to live and be happy, you’ll see immediate gratification just with their smiles,” Gamble said.
“I’m really excited because it’s my very first time,” Brodie said.
Anyone with questions about programs at the Children’s Cancer Hospital can reach Tomika Gamble at tgamble@mdanderson.org.
If you want to learn more about the different programs, you can also check out the Children’s Cancer Hospital website.